Allison Stewart Realtor Insights

CHANGE COMES THROUGH ONE PROACTIVE APPROACH AT A TIME

2008-11-20T05:46:59Z

Aren't you tired of hearing "How Bad The Market Is?" One of the most pointless exercises in futility is recaping the glory days of when a house was worth a gazillion dollars. It is almost as bad as listening to Grandpa tell you how he walked five miles to school with no shoes in the snow, and a gallon of gas was seventeen cents.

ARE YOU MEASURING TIME OR MEASURING ABILITY?

The market is... what it is. Retroactive remininscing does little to promote a successful sale today. Knowing what the house was worth...when grandpa was in diapers won't get it sold today.

The measure of ability comes from learning how to be successful when the market is down. This applies to both buyers and sellers.

It comes from knowing what the market will bear in the present. This is the point of a Comparable Market Analysis.

As foreclosures rotate off the market, there is a small percentage of homeowners waiting the market out. They have a pre-set price in mind, and are convinced the market will return to where it was over three years ago. This is not likely to occur. It is paramount to expecting a spring thaw happen instantly. It takes time.

WHAT IS DIFFERENT NOW?

In a word... Everything. Jobs are being lost, commercial rental space is being impacted, Vacancies range from 5-25% and the economy overall is unstable. More importantly, this is a global condition. It is not just happening here.

The measure you want to look for is what has sold and at what price. It doesn't matter if you house better- In this market, over improvement is the one thing you want to avoid. Most homeowners fail to realize that the rate of return is not dollar for dollar. In other words, you are not going to recapture that $40,000 swimming pool at full value. What does matter....PRICE.

Demand is regulated by what people can afford. Basically it is that simple. Down sizing is the new trend. Smaller homes seem to be in greater demand to offset the pressures of recession. Take cars for example.

SUV's lost popularity when gas approached $4.00 per gallon. The demand shifted to hybrid cars which were smaller and more fuel efficient.

The same theory applies to homes. Homes which were designed with high vaulted ceilings for example are less efficient to operate than ones with lower ceiling and less wasted air space. As a result, consumers are willing to look at older homes, offering a greater value than those built in the boom.

SO HOW DOES THE PROFESSIONAL SEGMENT NEED TO RESPOND?

1) Improve your listening skills.

2) Improve your attentiveness to customers- call them back!

3) Improve your area knowledge.

4) Think

While foreclosures offer some excellent opportunities, many require repairs to restore them. Taking those repairs into account they may end up costing more inthe long run.

When searching for homes keep three things in mind

1) LOCATION still matters.

2) Condition counts - literally. Count the dollars you will have to ADD to the purchase price to fix it.

3) PRICE- is the house value priced? It is worth to you, what the seller is asking?

REALLY RECEIPROCAL

Prices are down...and a as a result Sales are up. For the first time in three years sales have risen for two consecutive months. What this suggests is that VALUE has returned to the housing market.

RECOVERY TAKES TIME

Keep in mind that homes are a LONG TERM INVESTMENT.

TIPS FOR HOMEOWNERS IN TOUGH TIMES

2008-11-16T05:28:25Z

It was the best of times...and the worst of times depending on with whom you are speaking. The downturn in the housing market followed by the stock market's unsteadiness has many Americans wondering which is the safest market to invest their money in. Homes Sales in Osceola County, Florida are on the rise.

September showed the first significant rise in home sales inthe past three years. While the average price is still in decline, the demand is on the rise. Many first time home buyers are taking advantage of the lower prices and showing revitalized interest in smaller more economical to maintain starter homes.

When compared to renting an apartment of the same square footage, these smaller homes, offer owners financial incentives that renting does not. Interest rates have contributed substantially to pent up buyer demand in this price driven market.

Many major area lenders are offering attractive rates under 6% for 30 year fixed mortgages, which are appealing to would be home buyers. As a result, people with modest means can afford to buy a home.

St. Cloud Florida has shown a dramatic increase int he number of pending and solds over the same period last year. The increase in pending and sold properties is direct result of the lowering of prices and the affordability consumers have hungered for.

The average rent in St. Cloud Florida waivers between $600-1000 per month for a living space of 1000 sq. ft. For about the same monthly payment, a credit worthy consumer can purchase a starter home in St. Cloud, Florida. There are over 450 properties currently available which match that criteria.

The downpayment even at the new FHA ammended rate of 3.5% is about the equivilent of a security deposit combined with first and last months rent. The benefit is...ownership.

There are also tax advantages, which benefit buyers.

Home Owners are able to deduct items such as closing costs, and mortgage interest, which renters are not.

Home prices are expected to rise int he coming year as the market begins its recovery in 2009-2010.

Those buyers who are taking advantage of the market now, are most likely to derive long term gains when compared to those who wait.

The increase in home sales and pending sales are indicators that many buyers are in agreement, that the market is beginning to turn around.

For two consecutive months there has been a reported rise in sales. Up an astonishing 25% in September and October over the previous year.

As Baby boomers age, many are opting for smaller homes, with less maintenance demands. In a recent survey of 1002 participants, age 45 and up, 30% indicated they would remodel their homes instead of going to Assisted Living Facilities. The cost comparison showed it was less expensive to retro fit a home for elder-care than it would be over a years time to live in an Assisted Living Community. The annual costs of these facilities ranges from $2000-$6000 per month. The cost of retro fitting averaged about $8000. Yielding a substantial savings over time.

The economic worries of the Nation, are of concern to just about everyone. But one thing remains certain. The need for housing. Which at long last is finally affordable to virtually everyone.

As an area expert, I counsel my clients to compare costs of renting versus owning, and to explore the many options they have in home ownership.

Allison Stewart, Realtor, St. Cloud Florida

PERFECT TIMING FOR TAKING THE NEXT STEP

2008-11-05T15:01:08Z

Timing is everything. Findng the perfect time however is not so easy. Is there ever a good time to take a step back? Sure there is. Many consumers are waiting and watching the Market will eyes like an eagle. Many Real Estate Professionals are holding their breath waiting to see what wil happen next.

REACTIVE OR PROACTIVE?

When business is slow the most proactive thing one can do is seek education and take your business to the next level. For months I have pondered when would I find the time. Sales here in St, Cloud have been on the rise. Up 25% in fact over this time last year. I decided to make the time.

INSANITY: REPEATING THE SAME ACTION AND EXPECTING A DIFFERENT OUTCOME...IS NUTS

September and October were unusally busy months- In fact the best months in years. Now was the perfect time to expand my base of knowledge and proactively grow my business by taking courses.

CHANGE BEGINS WITH YOU

In order to effect changes in your business you must first effect changes within yourself. Even if your business has been less than stellar this year- the only thing you can change is your base of knowledge.

2009 is just around the corner... is it time for something to change?

Five Ways To Earn Rave Reviews From Customers

2008-10-29T10:26:01Z

Have you noticed lately the trend in customer service or lack thereof? Remember when a customer's business had value? The clerks even knew your name? The barber, hardware store, restaurant, gas station were places you felt a certain comfort zone. A familiarity. It made frequenting these places an enjoyable experience. Now adays you are lucky if you can get the clerk to even look up at you while texting their friends long enough to notice that you were even there in the first place.

HELP is a four letter word. Jobs are getting more difficult to come by. Today's work ethic is almost as hard to come by as dinosaur footprints on the beach. So how can you break the mold and offer something the general public is quickly forgetting ever existed by secretly yearns to have?

TAKE THE TIME TO LOOK EM IN THE EYE

The only way to make a connection with a customer is to actually look at them!

Making eye contact establishes a trust between you and the person you are speaking with.

Customers will remember you as being attentive if you are loking at them as well as listening to them.

LEND ME YOUR EAR

Hearing someone and listening to them is completely different.

Listening well to your clients needs will help you get a better idea of what their housing needs are, in addition to their lifestyle.

A good listener- remembers key points.

A simple and easy way to get a rave review from you customer is to remember what they want.

TAKE ACTION

Too often, sales people forget to take action.

If you want to get rave reviews from happy customers, act quickly and get them the answers the need- follow through on requests for information and always answer your phone!

FOLLOW UP

Once you have that all important connection- follow up.

Attention to details, even small ones, will make a difference for your customers. Too often, things slip through the cracks because we get distracted. Writing a follow up will help to ensure everything discussed is addressed. Keep a pen and paper handy- Lists are great!

DO SOMETHING OUT OF THE ORDINARY

The past few years have been financially tough for most people. But doing something out of the ordinary takes little more than a good imagination.

Home baked cookies in a clever container make a lovely token of your appreciation for their business for example.

Or a handwritten note thanking them for working with you as well.

All the technology in the world will not help you to grow your business if you are disenfranchised with people.

Take the time to remember old fashioned values- they will earn you a good reputation with your customers, as well as glowing letters of recommendation.

GOOD LUCK AND SELL WELL!

BADS NEWS IS GREAT NEWS FOR BUYERS- HOME AFFORDABILITY HAS ARRIVED!

2008-10-24T06:41:02Z

Not a day goes by without the economic forecast predicting more gloom. The latest reports indicate the housing market will continue a downward descend in pricing as consumer buckle down in the turbulent economy. The good news is, with so many foreclosures on the market, affordability has made a strong come back.

In my market of St. Cloud Florida for instance, sales in September 2008 rose nearly 25% over the same period last year. Up 8.8% Nationwide. This response to increased downward pressure of sales prices has stimulated interest among first time home buyers,and working women making up 18% for home buyers.

St. Cloud Florida is not unique-the similar increases have been reported in Palm Bay, Florida as well. Asking prices have been slashed as much as 50% on newly constructed homes and builders looking for liquidity have been able to sell off existing inventory by aggressively pricing their homes.

This was the case in Harmony, Florida where inventory homes were slashed to under $200,000 and sold in a few short months.

In Deer Creek, in St. Cloud, Florida new homes achieved an average of $219,000 on final clearance. These same homes were selling for over $300,000 just a year ago.

THE RETURN OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING HAS ARRIVED

The return of Affordable Housing has given many renters a second chance to enter the housing market. And they are doing so in record numbers. Previously shut out due to high cost, these average consumers who are putting 3.5% down are scooping up incredible deals. Over time they will achieve increased equity and reap tax benefits over their counterparts who are renting.

The decline in pricing comes as a relief to many weary consumers frustrated over chasing bank foreclosures, waiting weeks or months for answers to their offers from banks and in the interim discovering during inspections, that there may be unseen mold issues from homes left empty for too long.

THE SHOE SEEMS TO BE ON THE OTHER FOOT

In the early phases of the Housing Crisis, (2006-2007) sales seemed to disappear overnight. Home owners desperate to save their homes as adjustable rate mortgages doubled or tripled their monthly payments begged lenders to work with them. Most showed no mercy.

They instead pushed to foreclosure on the delinquent property in record numbers convinced they could and would recover their bad debt.

They quickly learned they could not have their cake and eat it too!

Suddenly the shoe was on the other foot. Buyers were frozen with fear, as reports of the declining housing market forced them to take a wait and see approach. Meanwhile inventories of foreclosures reached epic and all time highs.

While it has been reported that only 3% of existing homes have been affected by foreclosures, the depreciation in value a foreclosed home brings to the neighborhood has added additional pressure to pushing prices downward. As much as 15% in areas with multiple foreclosures.

Since 2006 homes costs have dropped over 30%. This decline has caused seller's equity to melt faster than the ice caps. In response, consumers have waited and watched and many are now making a return to the market as sticks are an uncertain means of protecting long term wealth.

Overall, Real Estate is now less risky and will over time appreciate. As a result, the increased in closed sales indicates a stabilization of the market at least here in Osceola County, and in particular my market of St. Cloud, Florida.

If a buyer is looking for value- there is an abundance to be found in my Market. It has been a great year. If you have been thinking about it, now is the time to buy!

Will St. CLoud Suffer as a result of the demise of Nehemiah?

2008-10-20T09:12:49Z

In a word...No.

Lawrence Yun, Chief economic advisor to the National Association of Realtors, had been predicting for quite some time that pent up buyer demand would in effect be the catalyst for the recovery of the housing market. Sales in August 2008 were reportedly up 8.8% over the preceding year.

On the surface, this increase could be attributed to several factors, among them the reported loss of the "charitable gift" provision. Effective as of September 30th, 2008 down payment assistance programs such as Nehemiah and Ameridream are no longer allowable under lender guidelines.

These organizations generally provided assistance to first time home buyers and seller's contributed to the pool of available funds that were donated.

For private home owners attempting to sell their homes, few participated on a local level in St. Cloud, often citing little to no available equity for such particiaption. (Equally an out of pocket expense) by comparison Nationwide, many builders looking to reduce inventory homes did participate and credited the that participation for 25% of their new home sales.

The corresponding rise in existing home sales for August 2008, could have been in response to the September 30, 2008 cut off for funds through these providers. FHA mortgages now require a minimum of 3% down payment money in order to qualify for a loan. That is expected to increase to 3.5% after the first of the year.

Despite the new requirements, lenders are offering mortgages even locally. Bank America, BB&T, & Washington Mutual all have mortgage programs available. In addition, Wells Fargo and several other commercial lenders are funding loans to qualified candidates.

Realtors advise potential buyers to first consult with a lender, to determine their loan eligibility before looking for their next home. This service is free and will greatly assist first time home buyers in determining precisely how much home they can afford. Interest rates are generally determined by the applicant's repayment history, credit worthiness and factors such as job security, and debt to income ratios.

As home values slide in St. Cloud, the market is feeding pent up buyer demand as Lawrence Yun predicted in the Spring of 2008. This demand has been seen locally.

In Villa Sol for example in Kissimmee, Inland Homes recently liquidated their inventory Town Homes at a shocking 49.8% off of original asking prices.

The 3 bedroom 2.5 bath units originally sold for over $200,000- after the mortgage melt down sales stagnated- they reduced the last six units to an astonishing $118,000 and scores of buyers responded eager to capitalize on the drastically price reduced new units.

Many of these buyers were first time home buyers and the builder's lender did offer 3% in closing cost contributions for a very limited time.

What is driving the Current Real Estate Market?

Primarily it is price. Homes with affordable asking prices are selling in fewer days than their overpriced counterparts. Will the demise of programs such as Nehemiah stall sales in St. Cloud?

While it cannot be said with absolute certainty, the number of resales of homes in private ownership, is not likely to be as adversely affected under new mortgage lending guidelines.

Bank owned properties have historically not participated in these types of seller contribution programs, so it is also probable that sales of Real Estate Owned or Bank Owned Properties will not be effected.

Sales in other areas will vary slightly as will homes prices- but right now the supply of homes offered for sale in St. Cloud, Florida is ample -the median range is hoovering around $160,000

WHEN THE FROST IS ON THE PUMPKIN... BUY THE HOUSE YOU'VE BEEN WANTIN

2008-10-17T08:22:02Z

In most parts of the country it is getting cooler-but in Florida sales are red hot! The third quarter has proven to be a turning point. Is it lower prices? Willing lenders? Or just plain time?

For three long years the Real Estate Market has been a challenge. Many good people have had to seek greener pastures because the market was barren and unproductive.

Yet, the ones who endured looked deep for their inner strength and fortitude, trimmed back and longed for the day the turn around would come.

Reminders of encouragement, went a long way especially on the days things may have not worked out well.

Taking each new day as an opportunity to turn things around.

We all set business plans and goals.

QUITTING IS NOT AN OPTION

For those of us who are die hards, quitting is not an option.

While it is true many of us were stretched to the breaking point, and at times it felt like the next sale would never come

The ones who stuck with it, learned to be better.

We sharpened our skills, learned to listen with greater intensity. Marketed smarter. And hardest of all learned to turn down listings we knew we could not sell.

To succeed in my market, of St. Cloud, Florida it meant selling more homes for less money.
It meant listening more carefully to my buyers and finding them the best house for the least amount which matched their needs exactly.
It meant making sure they would qualify for a mortgage when the right house was found.
And most importantly...it meant giving them white glove service once all the boxes were correctly checked and following up on every detail.

Broker Bryant's market in Poinciana, Florida for example, is perhaps the most distressed in Central Florida. Yet, his good attitude, and persisience will have him finishing strong this year Dancing down the home stretch!!!

No, giving up was never an option. The last quarter of 2008 was a turning point.

Are You Busy Blogging or Busy Selling?

2008-10-15T18:39:52Z

What you do is not who you are. Consumers love our blogs- they give them an insight to who we are, what our unique personalities are like and to some degree a small view into our window of the world. We each have our own perspective on what is happening and regionally that may differ dramatically.

I was talking with another Active Rainer Marc Blasi from Palm Bay. Something unusual is happening here. We are selling homes. Lots of them. This week alone five closings. That is an anomaly. As prices reach a critical point satiating pent up buyer demand and even under scrutiny withstand the scrutiny of FHA financing and conditional terms in the new world of mortgage lending...we are selling homes.

THE BEST DEALS MAY NOT BE FORECLOSURES AFTERALL

The best deals really depend on your needs. As the stock market shakes with uncertainty and turbulence and consumers worry about how the economy will effect them- there are those people who will always go against the grain of popular thinking. They buy when everyone else is frozen with fear. The gain often will outweigh the risk as the bottom here in Florida is at hand.

Prices have returned to pre-boom levels. As a result your money is buying more house than it used to.

A lovely 2000 sq ft house with a large in ground screened pool was sold today for $190,000. Located near everything, this fine example was a corporate relocation company owned home. "You found me the perfect house nicer than anything else I had seen" said my happy client. We found this gem in just under three hours and remarkably closed it on time. Their fcaes bright with excitement and beaning with pride first time home owners.

Several Town Homes 1544 sq ft, in a gated community were just for $118,000 (six in total) the last one closes in November. These homes were not foreclosures, They were close outs. For a few lucky families a new beginning with a happy ending. They got their "dream homes" at a huge discount.

For every sad story...finally, after a long slumber the buyers are awakening to discover the market before them is ripe with opportunities.

So there has been little time to blog...but the time to buy seems to have arrived...at least in St. Cloud Florida and surrounding areas.

Good Luck and Buy Well!

ARE YOU THE BIGGEST BADDEST MONKEY IN THE JUNGLE?

2008-10-11T10:21:25Z

All the chest pounding in the world won't get you a sale. No, it will take much more than that. All the grunting, snorting, and primal screaming won't seal the deal either. The way to be the biggest baddest monkey in the jungle is to learn to listen to the stillness like a doe and react with the speed of a Cheetah.

ADAPTABILITY-

Our ability to adapt, change, evolve and learn new skills could mean the difference between perishing and propering.

Are you pounding your chest or shaking the trees?

The new FHA lending programs are creating great opportunities for home buyers despite the weak economy. With as little as 3% down, newcomers are discovering that they can afford homes and hunting down the best buys.

In my Market of St. Cloud Florida for example, there is an increase in demand for 3 bedroom 2 bath smaller homes which carry less property tax burden, adequate living space (median was 2012 sq.ft) and an average price tag of $200,863. Approximately 40.9 homes per month on averge have been sold in the combined zip codes. (409 to date)

With all the uncertainty in the stock market, many people are revisting home ownership, and affordable housing. Only 3% of all the homes in Florida are foreclosures. In St. Cloud, Florida 61% of the population owns their own home.

A spike in sales recently in moderate price housing suggests that in this market things are improving.

PRICES ARE LOWER BUT SALES ARE HIGHER THAN THIS TIME LAST YEAR

2008-10-10T10:54:49Z

Times have never been so confusing both for professionals as well as consumers. Baffled experts shrug their shoulders and are bewildered. Yet, a simple review revealed an intriguing fact. Prices are down but overall sales are up.

St. Cloud, Florida is comprised largely of four basic zip codes. Comparing the sales figures for September 2007 to September of 2008 revealed a surprising result. More homes have sold this year than last. While overall sales in the area appear to be on the decrease (30.2%) the month to month comparisons of September 1 to October 1, actually showed a 10% increase. Fifty four homes sold in 2008 from September 1 to October 1. Only forty nine homes sold in the same period in 2007.

As prices decline, new buyers are attracted by affordable prices. While many of the homes available are former foreclosures, or current bank owned properties the asking prices are more in tune with what the St. Cloud market will bear.

RENTERS ARE CONVERTING TO HOME OWNERS

As the sales prices descend, many renters are consulting with lenders to determine their borrowing power. Previously shut out of the housing market, renters are making a strong attempt at home ownership. Single women who once constituted only a small 18% of all home buyers, are on the rise.

The renewed interest in the housing market, fueled by affordable home pricing places additional pressure on the rental market, forcing rents to respond in order to achieve acceptable occupancy rates. For many landlords who own investment properties the burden of higher operating costs (property taxes, insurance, etc) may proof to be too much. The revenue the rentals generate are often at a ten percent margin or less. Compounded by decreasing market value of those rental properties, some landlords are looking to reduce financial liability and sell off the smaller homes.

Some renters conversely, have found themselves looking for new accommodations after their landlords defaulted on their mortgage payments and came home to discover foreclosure notices on their doors, even though they had paid their rent.

The spike in sales in September suggests that a market recovery may be quietly awakening after a long hibernation. The stock market has many investors nervous and some of them are looking at Real Estate as a safer long term investment.

BANKS NOW FEELING THE BORROWERS PAIN

The rush to foreclosure as the housing market began its collapse back in 2005-2006 displaced families. The bank loss mitigators appeared to be heartless and disenfranchised with the average person struggling to keep up as mortgage rates adjusted, property values declined and the buyers vaporized.

Today these properties which were foreclosed on, sit languishing on the market,in records numbers as out of area lenders scratch their heads trying to figure out how low they will have to go to sell them off. Our climate is unkind and unyielding-as temperatures swell, the heat and humidity contribute to mold growth and other wood destroying organisms which are untreated by the absence of air conditioning.

For buyers there is ample selection, numerous upgrades and incentive to buy. The market does appear to be making a slow, cautious, careful come back.

The Same Old Song... The National Anthem of HomeSellers

2008-10-04T09:22:38Z

"I am not going to give my house away" Should be the the National anthem of homesellers. It is a tune we have all heard before-maybe even hummed to in the shower or in the car on the way to the office meeting. Are you preaching to the Choir or just humming along to the Chorus?

The appraisal is the ultimate Choir Director.

When it comes in where you need it to be, off in the distance, high atop the clouds one can hear the sweet angles rejoicing Hal-le-lu-jah! Truly and literally a moving experience!

Unfortunately many of the sellers prayers for a quick sale may go unanswered when the asking price is well above appraisal value.

As the Market continues to adjust, and foreclosure, banked owned and resales face shrinking sales prices, at least in my Market of St. Cloud Florida-what your neighbor's house for recently, is more likely to affect the price you will command for your home.

If more than one home has sold recently distress sale or not, you will be affected.

Appraiser's take into account, comparable home sales. Usually thi sis within the immediate area but can extend out several miles if necessary. They also factor in age, condition, improvements, and operating performance.

BUT MY HOME IS BETTER!

Buying or selling a home is an emotional experience.

Try not to let emotions "cloud" your judgement. In the end, a contract could fail because of the numbers.

NOTHING IS MORE FRUSTRATING THAN HAVING TO START FROM SCRATCH

There are numerous obstacles to get through to complete a transaction.

Home Inspection

Termite inspection

Title Work

Survey

Loan Processing

Appraisal

and finally Loan Approval.

Any one of a number of things can go wrong.

A deal can die, because the purchase price fails to meet appraised value and the lender denies the loan.

FHA LOANS REQUIRE A GOVERNMENT APPRAISAL

In light of the current mortgage mess- a regular appraisal may not suffice. You will not give your house away.

We are getting deals done...one house at a time!

YEAH ABOUT THAT LONG LIST OF REPAIRS...

2008-10-03T06:53:32Z

Homeowners hoping to retain as much of their lost equity as possible, sometimes overlook the simple things that could kill a sale. As a home ages, certain repairs are necessary, but it tough times often the those things go overlooked due to financial pressures. What do buyers want?

It is a short list.

TIle Floors

Upgraded kitchen cabinets

Granite Counter tops

Recessed lighting

And lastly, a clean functional home.

Recently I was interviewed by an Editor from Remodeler Magazine, who found me on ActiveRain. She asked me several questions for an article she was writing. Remodeler's have been impacted by the Real Estate Market, as well as rising fuel costs and shrinking disposable income.

ARE HOMEOWNERS REMODELING?

In my market of St. Cloud, Florida (Osceola County) the abundance of available housing, has put a damper on remodeling. Three years ago, when housing was in limited supply remodelers were in high demand. Additions, patios, and renovations and modifications were a sought after service. Then the builders arrived.

In less than two years several new developments filled former farm land. They sprung up everywhere. The houses were larger, and offered high end builder incentives such as granite counter tops, 42" kitchen cabinets, tile flooring, upgraded plumbing fixtures, light fixtures and many other desirable features. Suddenly, there was more housing than we knew what to do with. This sleepy little retirement town found itself in the shadow of the new Lake Nona Medical Complex.

St. Cloud, Florida was established as a retirement community and many of the older homes sprung up in the early 1920's and through the 40's as returning war veterans sought housing. Times were different then. Modest homes were adequate. There was little need for mega-mansions. The people of that time were very economically minded. They had smaller homes which cost less to operate. Property taxes were minimal.

HALF A CENTURY LATER...

The changing market has afforded first time owners a rare opportunity to enter the housing market, and take advantage of Builder Inventory liquidations a bargain prices.

Reduced tens of thousands of dollars, homes like this one present a real value for consumers.

Much to the Remoder's chagrin, these homes offer many upgrades that were once not available.

The impact of the housing market crash has certainly included many home remodeling companies in its wake.

St. Cloud, Florida is still a reasonable thirty minute commute to Orlando, the Orlando International Airport, Disney, Universal Studiios, and Cape Canaveral. People who live here, choose the quiet communities over the congestion and traffic of the tourist areas.

Gas prices may fluctuate, but one thing that remains the same is the desire to have an affordable home.

In St. Cloud, Florida we have plenty of them!

PLAYING "HARDBALL" WITH A STRING ATTACHED-WON'T GO VERY FAR

2008-09-30T06:00:55Z

So you fancy yourself to be an "expert negotiator". It could be the hardball you are throwing may have a string tied to it. In which case it is not very likely to go very far. Same can be said for a counter offer. The rules to this game have changed dramatically. Playing hardball is like throwing it with a string attached. It is not going to fly out of the park, it is more likely to land with a "thump".

With so much inventory, bank owned property, foreclosures and concerns over the economy looming encumbering a deal with strings attached is not the way to hit a home run.

Counter offers often are received with little volley. If you want to play "the game" you may find yourself sitting on the bench long after the game is over.

Buyers with serious intent will often oput their best deal out first. If the counter offer is weak and unyielding the majority will walk away. While they may have liked your house the best, there are so many others out there.

FAIR OR FOUL?

Buyers are making the rules. Remember the phrase..."It is only worth what someone is willing to pay". Still holds true. One Executive in a corporate relocation company who fancied himself to be an expert negotiator nearly lost his only opportunity to get in the game by trying to play hard ball with the buyers.

Reality check....Hardballs hurt when they hit the pitcher. The listing agent begged, pleaded, urged the seller to accept the deal and (probably even cried a little) when the seller's counter offer was $1000 less than asking.

The buyers Realtor being very saavy and knowing the market conditions responded to the counter offer with a listing sheet and a note which simply read..."This is the house they will buy tomorrow, bigger, better , nicer, newer and cheaper- need your answer by 5pm." Game over.

The deal closes in two weeks.

WHAT EVIL LURKS BEHIND THOSE WALLS? Hidden Mold Can Harm You

2008-09-26T05:48:06Z

"It's a great buy" Buyer's dream words. But can that dream become a nightmare? You bettcha. With so many foreclosures, banked owned and vacant properties on the market these days, some asking prices are "Too Good To Be True". Now more than ever..it is buyer beware. There could be evil lurking behind those walls.

Recently a relocated buyer went on a housing hunting mission. She was looking for a large, newer home, at a good price. She thought she had found a steal. She made a reasonable offer contingent on a satisfactory home Inspection (always advisable) and appraisal.

It passed the appraisal-no problem. Then the results of the Home Inspection came back. The home had mold. Not your run of the mill variety either. The kind that makes you sick- black, toxic, penetrating mold-hidden deep behind the walls.

WHAT SECRETS HOUSES KEEP COULD HARM YOU

Due to the hot, humid, unrelenting heat that Florida is famous for, combined with the way newer homes are built making them more "air tight" condensation can build up. The homes don't "breathe" as well.

Air conditioning often helps eliminate humidity in a home, which will suppress the growth of mold. However, when the utilities are turned off is when the problems begin to grow.

In sickening silence, left unattended mold will invade the interior walls.

SIGNS OF A SICK HOME < learn more here

You may not smell it immediately. But in short order you will begin to feel nauseated.

People with Asthma will experience a tightening in their throats, headaches, and lung irritation.

SAY BYE BYE TO A BAD BUY

No home is worth risking your health over. Always have a Home Inspection performed. Allergy sufferers ask for an air quality check to help insure that the home you want to buy is a healthy home.

AVOIDING UGLY OFFERS

2008-09-24T05:22:40Z

"It's perfect..pristine...in the right location, and our furniture will fit perfectly!" Words any Realtor loves to hear. After searching long and hard for the right match, it is time to write the offer. This is when perfect and pristine can become tarnished, soiled and ugly.

THE UGLY DUCKLING SYNDROME

Depending on where you live (every market is different) the chances are buyers will have competition in certain price ranges for homes. The hot spot in my market of St. Cloud, Florida for example is $150,000 and below.

The market is quietly changing. Buyers are breaking out of their shells, and are flocking to the closing table in higher numbers than before.

If the home is well priced, and in good condition there will be numerous showing requests. There may also be multiple offers on a prime property.

In the old days, you could offer less and expect more.

Nowadays....not so much.

As a result, an offer that is loaded with contingencies and unreasonable demands could end up being the Ugly Duckling of the bunch.

Every seller has a bottom line. This includes banks, REO properties, foreclosures, inventory close outs and yes, even regular resales. In many cases a sharply discounted or recently reduced price mean they may have already reached it. In reality, this simplifies the negotiating process for the buyer.

Purchase Agreements are basically straight forward documents. In Florida for example we use a "Standard" Florida Association Realtors/ Florida Bar version. This document, was a cooperative effort between the Florida Bar Association (Lawyers) and the Florida Association of Realtors. It covers a broad scope of possible problems and solutions in a comprehensive format. Fill in a few blanks, determine the amount of money to put into escrow and the balance due at closing , establish a closing date and the rest is already outlined.

The Problem is the Blank lines- DANGER ZONE

Realtors are not Lawyers.

The document is very straight forward. Often times addendums are already addressed in the document.

Adding too many additional demands, can create an Ugly Offer.

The key to obtaining a rapid favorable response from the seller, is to be straight forward.

KEEP YOUR FOCUS

GET THE HOME YOU REALLY WANT-Before someone else does.

KEEP IT SIMPLE.

Good Luck & Sell Well.

WALLS ARE THERE TO STOP "OTHER PEOPLE"

2008-09-23T07:56:42Z

Randy Pausch was inspirational. He once said, "Brick walls are there to stop the "other" people. Certainly we have all experienced times when we felt like we have "hit a brick wall" or some other in surmountable obstacle. But the real question is how do we handle it?

Real Estate buyers often unwittingly build their own walls. Walls which are thick and impenetrable. Some add bricks based on prior bad experiences. Others add bricks by being ill prepared or poorly equiped to deal with current demands of lenders.

Yet there are some, who use the bricks to build a better understanding of what they need to do, to be successful in acquiring the home they want.

Those generally are the ones who will succeed.

When an obstacle becomes apparent, we can do one of the two things.

1) Resolve it

2) Let it prevent us from moving forward.

If we allow the brick walls of life to stop us from achieving our goals- chances are we will not succeed at very much. So how do we overcome the barriers to successful transactions?

1) Communication

2) Determination

3) Clarification

4) Perspiration

These four simple things will most times resolve a problem.

Good Luck! & Sell Well!

DESPITE BAD NEWS BUYERS ARE OUT THERE

2008-09-18T09:28:07Z

The economic news over the past few days has been making people a little nervous. Despite that, there are buyers out there looking. SHowings are on the rise and offers are being made. Even in the worst of times there will always a smal percentage of people uneffect by what the market is doing. The choice is do you focus on what the news reports, or do you focus on the day?

NO CRYSTAL BALL

Homes sales have actually been on the rise. For several consecutive months homes sales have edged upwards.

The prices have come down, which was the catalyst for first time and investor buyers to hit the streets looking for the best bargains.

As result of foreclosure homes, banked owned properties, and builder inventory liquidations, barhgains have been plentiful.

We have seen an increase in cash deals, as well as an increase in overall activity since the second quarter of 2008 indicating that the market is making strides towards recovery at least in my market of Osceola County, Florida.

This of course is a byproduct of the housing market meltdown, and credit crisis. The high rate of foreclosures fueling the fires and the glut of now banked owned properties in conjunction with the weak economy and overall economic slowdown.

By these dynamics all in play, are resulting in a return of the buyers to the market, as stock uncertainty abounds and speculation of worse times ahead, suggest to many that, now may be the best time to buy real estate.

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING

Doing a litle digging in the archives revealed that even in 1929 the housing market saw a 6% increase in sales.

While it is true, not many of us around can recall the Great Depression, or the the human toll it took, but we have all heard stories from our elders that recalled the dire desperation of those times. Lack of jobs, money, or hope for many.

While we are not in a Great Depression, and many safeguards have been put into place since that time, the economy certainly is experiencing something unique to this generation.

However, as recent activity suggests, it does appear that people are willing to take the plunge back into the real estate market now that housing as hit previous boom levels in asking prices. Money buys more house than it used to as little as three years ago. Moderately priced homes are selling quickly and competition in low cost housing is emerging with greater numbers of buyers competiting for these discounted homes.

While it is true that we are facing some tough times ahead, an individual who buys now has a hedge against inflation, and a building block towards protecting their overall personal wealth. Buy wisely.

BUSINESSES GOING BUST

2008-09-15T05:27:43Z

Traveling down the main artery of Irlo Bronson Highway in Osceola County, and through St.Cloud the corridor which connects Disney to the west and Melbourne to the east one cannot help but notice as you drive through this bedroom community, the number of small businesses which have closed. A sign of the times? A product of higher property taxes? A toxic combination of both? Perhaps.

There was a time when this small city of St. Cloud who motto is "A City Celebrating small town living" offered many residents the opportunity to open their own small business to better serve the community. We had a hardware store, scads of restaurants, a wall paper store, a furniture store in the heart of the downtown district, a paint store, feed stores, pet stores, nail salons, hair dressers, loads of banks, supermarkets, and a few bars here and there.

The commercialization on Irlo Bronson Highway, was a result of urban sprawl. As Kissimmee developed, east of Disney, the development spread eastward stretching into sleepy St. Cloud, once a retirement community primarily. Major restaurants began popping up, and eventually a Home Depot, and Walmart took root. Great for the people who live..bad for the small business owner who could not compete against them.

But with the addition of all this new commerce what was lost was the small business owners niche. As with many small towns, commericalization and the opportunity to get whatever you need at Walmart, brought hard times to the business owners struggling for their market share of business.

Slowly, they disappeared. Even the Chamber of Commerce could not save them. Rising property taxes on comemrcial land, drive up the cost of rents and eventually pushed many of the small business owners to the brink of extinction.

There are more for rent signs on the main corridor now than ever before.

More Businesses Simply Close Their Doors Than are Sold.

Noticably absent are Business Brokers. There are many Realtors® and just about every franchised Real Estate chain is represented. By on the QT are the businesses looking for new blood in a stagnate economy. Perhaps owners are fearful word willget out they are for sale?

Fred's Auction is a thriving business. Established over 43 years ago it is a three generation auction house. Fred makes no bones his building is for sale. As a matter of fact he has a huge sign planted right on the highway-it hasn't hurt his business one bit. Fred's is a tradition in St Cloud. Every Friday night cars jam packed into his parking lot for a chance to bid on everything you can imagine. What ever your need, eventually Fred's will have it. The longevity of this business is testimony that a small business can succeed in St. Cloud. It has a niche. It also has a heavty price tag at 1.8 million dollars.

What if...

Businesses for sale were better represented? Perhaps it would attract more perspective buyers to our area? Even buyers from foreign markets? The lack of proper packaging and promotion appears to be underserved in our community of St. Cloud, Florida.

If we made information more readily available we may see less empty shops and more new families coming into the area. Revitization is the key to growth. What St. Cloud needs is an image enhancement.

If Property Tax relief on commercial property was available, it may be the just the jump start that would push St. Cloud back on track to further growth.

WAS IT GREED OR NEED THAT TURNED A GOOD MARKET INTO A THREE HEADED MONSTER?

2008-09-11T14:30:43Z

As we wind into the third quarter of 2008, many experts predict the worst is yet to come. We have two ways of intrepreting this information. For some people who are inthe throws of foreclosure, this is true, for others who are embarking as first time home owners the journey has just begun. There are two sides of the Real Estate Market.

Let's Explore the Down side first.

As has been widely reported repeatedly, the housing market is down. Down from the artifical high of 2005. When a shortage of housing particularly in Osceola County, Florida for example sparked what could only be described as a buying frenzy.

As news reports pumped the market and 100% finanicing loans were being handed out like pez candies to sugar crazed children on stated income loan applications just about anyone with a pulse could get a loan. And just about everyone did. Money was being thrown about by the boat load.

"We can't approve your request for $80,000 but we can give $200,000 with an interest only loan" was a familar push in an attempt to write higher mortgaes than people really needed. Many let greed not need prevail.

They consumed with a voracious appetite the "easy money" they "could get" based on no doc-interest only loans..until one day..it was time to pay the piper. They bought homes far larger than they needed, because they didn't factor in the carrying costs nor did they contemplate what goes up must eventually come down including the market.

Perhaps they planned to flip the property-like they saw on TV? Sounds simple enough. Perhaps they couldn't resist the opportunity to cash in on the available equity". Perhaps they never considered the history of Real Estate. The question they did not ask was the important one. "When the interest only term expires...what will I be paying then?"

LIVING FOR THE MOMENT or A LIFETIME OF REGRET?

Coulda... woulda... shoulda.... some did, some didn't. If you had the opportunity to refinance and you didn't that was a problem. If you could have converted a risky loan into a solid loan and didn't that was a problem. If you over spent, maxed out and had a chance of circumstance..that was a problem.

There are no guarantees in life. There will be good times, bad times and all the times in between. Following the basic laws of physics "An action will cause an opposite but equal reaction."

For people losing their homes in the credit crisis it is truly a horrible time. Having to leave your home, your friends, your children's school. One would be heartless at the least not acknowledge the pain and suffering these families are experiencing. Every foreclosued property has a story to tell. An ending for one families journey, and a new beginning for another. Life is a full circle.

THE PHOENIX EFFECT

Like the mythological creature that rises above the ashes the Phoenix represents, renewed life. As the Real Estate market crashed and burned, emerging from the ashes are new buyers who were previsouly shut out when the prices were rising faster than the water on the Titanic.

These buyers are being scrutinized intensely and the rules have been modified since the crash to prevent homes from being lost inthe future.

The value of homes in St. Cloud, Florida has been declining and using a benchmark of 2002-2003 for example, indicated they are following the 30+ year history of expected value growth.

Prior to the boom- the average rate of return on a home investment was approximately 6.5% this was measured for over thirty year period.

Since the boom prices have declined approximately forty percent from the record high levels, and thousands of additional units have been structed. At the presetn time there are over 6,000 homes for sale in Osceola County. At the current rate of sale that is appromoximately a two + year of existing inventory.

The spur of new sales and purchase offers, indicates that a saturation point in price has been achieved. In other words, the bank are the ones bleeding. They are offloading their foreclosed properties, and discounting the prices they will accept to reflect the current attitude of home buyers in the market place.

While they may not have been willing to work with many area families in term of refinancing existing loans the rush to the courthouse steps, has now put them in a similar position distressed homeowners were in once their interest only loans matured.

Buyers are showing no mercy just as the banks failed to have mercy on the homeowners who pleaded with them to find new ways of restructuring, or readjusting their debt prior to foreclosing on their homes.

Life is a full circle. Real Estate has nearly come full circle. There are buyers out there. They are now in the best possible position to purchase homes at a realistic and fair price. And they are.

DO WE REALLY NEED MORE NEW HOUSING?

2008-09-03T05:43:29Z

Remember "Cow Town"? That is what Osceola County used to be called half a century ago, but developers have a different view of what they would like to see Osceola County become. Residents living along east Lake Toho are concerned over plans to develop the area over a score of years to accommodate projected population growth. This plan may seem a bit ambitious.

Home Sellers, and Real Estate Professionals wonder where this projected influx of newcomers will be coming from-as foreclosures, short sales and vacant homes are still on the rise and have to yet to crest in the murky market. A reverse migration pattern seems to be emerging as well.

More people are leaving Florida than are moving here a recent study revealed. Prior to the boom of 2004-2005, housing prices were attractive and affordable. Lower property taxes and the lack of a State Income tax attracted retirees and families to warmer weather and low cost living.

As housing costs skyrocketed many retired people felt their fixed incomes were being stretched to uncomfortable levels and they looked in other places like Tennessee and North Carolina, where their dollars bought more land with less tax burden. Families struggled as they realized the wages paid in Florida are substantially less than they are in other parts of the country for the performing the same type of work. Few can make it on a fifty percent reduction of income long term.

As large developments replaced the rich agricultural land and farms disappeared in record numbers as housing developments replaced them. The creation of Steven's Plantation, Harmony, Reunion, and Celebration along with Friars Cove, Mallard Pond and Turtle Creek, inundated Osceola County with more housing units than we had bodies to fill them. Builders found themselves with large numbers of unsold inventory. For many, the burden was too great to bear. As was true for Levitt and Son's Turtle Creek development which fell into bankruptcy when sales failed to meet expectation and construction interest loans came due the project failed.

Many of these newer homes, are now vacant as foreclosures and short sales rose to historic highs leaving these homes to fall into receivership with the lenders who financed them and eventually foreclosed upon them.

The lackluster performance of housing sales, now in its third year, also suggest that fewer people are choosing to move to Florida, but rather away from Florida. Since the boom of 2005, prices have fallen between 30-50% off their previous record high sales.

Short Term Rental Communities are also experiencing severe reductions. A few examples are Universal Resorts, Villa Sol, and Pemberly Pines have cut prices as much as 50% to attract new buyers and sell off excess inventory. This has sparked some sales in the lower price ranges.

The lack of new jobs, in a constricting economy, combined with a rise in fuel costs over this time a year ago suggest that fewer people are commuting like they used to. Choosing instead to live closer to where they work.

Local businesses Struggle

There is no shortage of for sale signs on businesses as you drive through town. In this tough economic climate,many local businesses have closed their doors as a result of the pressure of the housing market collapse. One of the recent causalities was Whistle Junction on Hwy 192. New Day Cafe, Medina's Pizza all recently closed also on Hwy 192. Fred's Auction, Carvel, Quiznos, Cozy Cove, and many others are for sale. It is hard not to notice when you drive through town that the vacancy rate is on the rise.

So What is Selling?

As prices decline, first time home buyers have begun to re enter the housing market. For them this is opportunity time. The steep reductions offer a value. They have ample selection of homes to choose from with over 6,000 homes currently available in Osceola County. Lenders are more carefully scrutinizing loan applications, and builders are offering incentives such as closing cost contributions to attract buyers to their properties. As a result sales are being achieved but slowly. It will take several years to sell off existing inventory.

The market is not expected to rebound instantaneously. What appears to be needed may be incentives to attract more industry, manufacturing and potential job growth to Osceola County then the need for additional housing would follow.

In my market, of St. Cloud Florida and Kissimmee Florida we have had a record number of inquires. Mostly in the lower end price ranges. I see this as an encouraging sign that the market is attracting newcomers who are willing to take a shot at owning a home. Working with them may encourage them to open new businesses.

What is happening in your area?

GOOD OLD BOYS OR BUSINESS?

2008-09-01T18:14:21Z

A post to inspire anyone struggling. You know the old adage If You Don't List, You don't last? This is a true-ism as we all know. Living in Florida I have come to learn, when it rains it pours. This applies to listings as well. You can do everything right. Spend a gazillion dollars on postcards, stop at every FSBO, chat people up in supermarkets, school events, find yourself sleeping with your name tag still on and still Nada, Zip, Zilch.

When you change Brokers. The listings of course, remained with the company. Change overall is a good thing. Given the amount of time we dedicate to our profession, one must evaluate on an individual basis, if the "fit" between sales agent and Broker is a good one. After all, the idea is you will be working very hard in this partnership to succeed.

Big companies have great training programs. But sometimes the "fit" may not be there. Like a great pair of stilettos they look great until you are in them for hours! Ideally you want the "comfort" of sneakers (as a metaphor) at the work place. When the market is booming listings are like having money in the bank, but at present in our county at least, the listings out number the sales 5:1 leaving many home owners unhappy at the moment. Which brings us back to leaving the listings with the Broker.

While we have spent hours developing rapport with sellers, it is the Broker who owns the listings. Be respectful of that. While you may have been told it is "your business", really it is a partnership. Not all partnerships, like marriages are good ones. Don't be one of those folks who are bitter. Afterall, you have gotten something out of the deal which is of enormous value. Experience.

Starting over is no big deal. Those of us who have been divorced will atest to that fact. The drama comes in getting there. You regroup, redefine your goals, pick yourself up and take that all important first step.

If the Broker fit is good, your attitude is good. If your attitude is good you will be productive. If you are productive you will succeed. Your Broker will be happy, you will both make money and life is good!

Listing Drought is a lot like priming the pump.

In order for the well to have water, it needs to have water to get started. All it takes is one. Eventually the drought ends. Panic subsides, and you get the "elusive" listing.

It could be months when first getting started. But if you stick with it-you WILL eventually get a listing. If you are really tenacious, you will get more. There are many obstacles.

Discount brokerages, owners leery of high commissions, and many hungry agents swarming down upon them for that "golden" opportunity of placing their sign on the owners lawn.

Driving down the streets in Osceola County the number of signs increases like Florida weeds. For sale, for rent, for sale, for sale. If I were a farmer I would say we have a bumper crop. But there isn't much of a market for weeds.

After a while comes the moment of reckoning-the owner calls and BAM! Got one, then the next day Bam! Bam! Two more. Bam! Another one. Soon I was overwhelmed with listings. From Bored to Busy in a matter of days. Spent hours taking photos, preparing flyers, entering info on MLS, installing lock boxes. Before I knew it, it was Monday. Worked all weekend to get current. Got to love the rain.

Your Broker is happy, you are happy (validated of your own self worth) and when the house sells your customer will be happy too.

Here is to a well primed pump irrigating the field of dreams!

STACKING OFFERS UP LIKE PANCAKES- WILL IT BE A TALL STACK OR A SHORT STACK?

2008-08-27T04:15:41Z

It is no secret that a lot of Realtors® are hungry these days. Many have given up selling Real Estate and have taken "real" jobs with steady paychecks somewhere else. Yet others, who are truly hungry can and do find a way to stack offers up like pancakes. Is your stack a tall one or a short one?

ARE YOU COOKING UP DELICIOUS DEALS?

How many times have you gone to a restaurant and nothing on the menu has really appealed to you? I am sure it has happened to us all at one point or another. You want something, but are undecided exactly what that might be. The same applies to buyers in the housing market.

They are hungry for well priced homes which will appeal to their pallets and budgets.

CHOOSING YOUR INGREDIENTS CAREFULLY

Properly choosing which ingredients you use is the first step to making a meal a deal.

A variety of homes, styles and price ranges adds appeal to your menu.

Price of course is a factor.

Next is the preparation and presentation.

SERVING UP A SPECIAL OF THE DAY

Hungry buyers are looking for that all you can eat buffet. Recently, I tried this with a selection of New Town Homes a builder wanted to liquidate. We ran a one week special for customers.

Basically what it amount to was 50% off the original list price and as a the cherry on top we threw in a nice closing cost incentive.

In 48 hours we had offers on 67% of the available inventory. In fact, we had gotten multiple offers on some. Buyers scrambled to contact their lenders for approval letters, and the office was buzzing with new found enthusiasm. The joy to selling had been re-ignited.

Buyers had finally gotten what they had been waiting for. A price reduction to wet their appetites.

A literal banquet for their budget.

We included the tag "first come, first served" on the email campaign.

WHY SOME WILL BE FULL AND OTHERS WILL BE UNFULFILLED...

As with cooking following the instructions (directions) is very important. Once you have the right ingredients, you must follow the preparation guidelines in order for ther outcome to be good. The same applies to the business of Real Estate.

One Realtor decided her receipe was better than ours. She didn't read the instructions. She didn't ask questions. She didn't call the office or the listing agent. She simply faxed in her offers. Unfortunately, her stack ended up short and poorly prepared. Her customer will leave the banquet still hungry.

DOES YOUR SERVER MAKE OR BREAK YOUR DINING EXPERIENCE?

In most cases the answer will be yes.

When dining on deals, it is very important to know what is on the menu.

Choosing you work with enhances your dining experience.

That is the primary difference between ending up with a tall stack or a short stack.

So how hungry are you?

ARE YOU FUMBLING AT THE FINISH LINE OR STALLING AT THE STARTING BLOCK?

2008-08-23T06:41:59Z

The American 100 Meter relay team may have learned a valuable lesson in Beijing this past week-one that we can all benefit from. They failed to master the one essential skill they need to win the race. What one skill do we need to improve to avoid stumbling at the starting line or failing to finish the deal?

A Monument to Poor Preparation

This image forever etched into the minds of millions of

viewers can serve as a reminder, that taking the basics

for granted could cost you the gold.

In Real Estate Sales, all the training in the world won't help you if you fail to get to the finish line. In our quest for gold, too often it may the smallest skill we fail to master, which in the end will be the team's undoing.

What is the one skill you could sharpen which would make the difference between success and defeat?

Are you properly prepared?

Are you organized?

Polished in your presentation?

Do you return phone calls in a timely manner?

Do you follow up on a referral once the hand off had been made?

Do your customers feel they are your single focus or a dropped baton?

SOLD OUT! VILLA SOL TOWNHOMES KISSIMMEE, Florida

2008-08-22T15:56:42Z

Sorry... You are too late- All the close outs are now under contract!

The Builder has gone bonkers.... 3 bedroom 2 .5 Bath 1514 sq ft.townhomes for an incredible price of only $118,000 No, this is not a joke. Villa Sol Townhomes are closing out the final phase and bringing the savings directly to you!

These Brand New Townhomes are NOT in short sale. They are NOT foreclosures. They are BEST deal in Kissimmee, FLorida 34744 for sure.

Lovely Villa Sol features a community pool

VILLA SOL TOWNHOMES- KISSIMMEE FLORIDA 34744

3 bedrooms

2.5 baths

Pantry

Inside Utility

2 Story BLock Construction

Tile Roof

Great Community Features!

POOL

TENNIS COURT

FITNESS CENTER

BASKETBALL COURT

PLAYGROUND

PICNIC AREAS under Majectic oak trees.

PET PARK

WHY PAY RENT? Zoned for Short Term Rental YOU can be the Landlord!

For additional information on these incredible properties

Contact me!

Contact me for additional information!

HARMONY COMMUNITY SCHOOL

2008-08-22T10:53:24Z

On August 9th, 2008 The School Dsitrcit of Osceola County, Florida dedicated its latest masterpiece of education. The new Harmony Community School. This one of a kind technologically advanced K-8 facility is the proto type of what will come in the future regarding state of the art learning expriences for our children.

THE FUTURE IS NOW

Imagine touch screen computer enhanced "Smart Boards" replacing conventional white boards or old fashioned black boards. "Smart Boards" have been used on the University level- however, this is the first Elementary/Middle School utilizing the integrated system for youngsters.

"We are so excited about our new school, what a difference compared to the trailers we had last year!" exclaimed Deanie Powell, fourth grade teacher at the Harmony Community School.

The new school comes as a welcome replacement to the series of portable classrooms which dotted the edge of Buck Lake on Schoolhouse Drive in Harmony. The cramped old quarters did not thwart the school's dedication for the pursuit of excellence. The school performed well over the last 2-3 years since evolving from its Charter School roots. Intimate class size may have contributed to the stellar performance the school has demostrated as an entire grade consisted of just one portable.

Now occupying the new school, grade sizes have been expanded offering teaching opportunities to some of Oscela County's best and brightest educators. The students are equally excited about the state of the art facility.

Built in ceiling speakers and wireless microphones allow students to clearly hear their teachers from any given point in the classroom. Aided by the "Smart Boards" students are able to accelerate their learning experience with hands on technology.

This school is the new prototype for the next generation of schools to be built in the future in Osceola County, Florida.

The School District recently included the Community of Bay Lake Ranch in a rezoning effort to ease over- crowding in other elementary schools in the area. As a result the benefit to home owners in Harmony, Bay Lake Ranch and Bay Lake Estates opens opportunities to their children previously not provided.

Currently home values in Harmony range from $169,000-to over $1,000,000 the new school certainly will have a positive effect on the community at large.

Looking to move to Florida? Contact me I will be happy to help you!